SOUVENIR PROGRAMME
Browse speakers, sponsors, and more at Cape Town’s favourite tech conference, as we design Africa’s digital future.
ENTER CONFERENCE
ENABLING BUSINESS INNOVATION
Driven by universal connectivity, we power seamless experiences, boosting effecient and enabling business and communities across South Africa and beyond to thrive in the digital age.
RALF FLETCHER
CEO OF TOPCO MEDIA
Esteemed Innovators, Industry Leaders, Policymakers, and Changemakers,
Welcome to Sentech Africa Tech Week 2026 proudly hosted under the theme: Propelling Africa’s Digital Future.
We are living through one of the most significant technological shifts in human history. Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally transforming the way we work, communicate, innovate, and solve problems. From business and education to healthcare, infrastructure, and government, AI is redefining industries and creating entirely new opportunities for growth and inclusion.
But technology, on its own, is never enough. The leaders who are shaping Africa’s digital future understand something deeper: that trust is built through relationships, that investment follows vision, and that the most powerful catalyst for change is not a platform or an algorithm, it is a compelling story told by a bold human being. For Africa, this moment presents both immense opportunity and profound responsibility. Our continent is uniquely positioned to harness AI and emerging technologies to accelerate development, bridge digital divides, and create solutions tailored to our own realities. The conversations taking place at Sentech Africa Tech Week 2026 are therefore more important than ever — not just for South Africa, but for the continent and the world.
This year’s theme, Propelling Africa’s Digital Future, speaks directly to the urgency of embracing innovation while ensuring that Africa remains an active architect of the digital economy, rather than simply a participant in it. South Africa continues to lead in this transformation, emerging as a global hub for excellence in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, cloud computing, connectivity, and green technology. Cape Town, in particular, is fast becoming the destination of choice for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and investors who are choosing
not just to visit Africa — but to build here. The evidence is all around us. The Nasdaq 100 has surged. Technology companies are growing at rates that would have seemed impossible a decade ago. And yet, the greatest opportunities on earth remain right here — many of them still disguised as challenges.
For more than two decades, Topco Media has remained committed to celebrating leadership, championing innovation, and creating platforms that connect industries, ideas, and people. Our continued partnership with Sentech reflects a shared conviction: that Africa’s greatest chapter is not behind us. It is being written right now, by the founders, builders, policymakers, and changemakers gathering at this event. Sentech Africa Tech Week is more than a conference. It is a catalyst for action — where policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, developers, and business leaders come together to explore how technology can unlock economic growth, empower communities, and shape a smarter, more connected Africa.
Success in this era will depend not only on innovation, but on collaboration, adaptability, and bold leadership. Africa has the talent, the creativity, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the youthful energy needed to lead in the age of AI. What matters now is our willingness to invest — in skills, in infrastructure, in partnerships, and in the kind of inclusive innovation that benefits every African, not just the few. I encourage you to engage meaningfully, challenge conventional thinking, and build the connections that will help shape Africa’s digital future for generations to come. The person sitting next to you may be the partner, investor, or collaborator you have been looking for. Be bold enough to find out.
Thank you for joining us at Sentech Africa Tech Week 2026. Together, let us innovate, collaborate, and continue Propelling Africa’s Digital Future.
TEBOGO LESHOPE
CEO, SENTECH
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Sentech Africa Tech Week 2026, a platform that brings together leaders, innovators, and policymakers at a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy.
Across the continent, digital adoption continues to accelerate. Africa is now home to over 600 million internet users, yet significant gaps remain in the quality, affordability, and reliability of connectivity. As a result, the conversation has shifted, from expanding access to ensuring meaningful, high-quality connectivity that drives real socio-economic impact.
In South Africa, important progress has been made. More than 80% of the population has access to the internet, largely through mobile networks. However, disparities between urban and rural connectivity, as well as the need for more resilient and highperformance infrastructure, remain key challenges that must be addressed with urgency and focus.
Sentech’s continued partnership with Africa Tech Week reflects our role as a national infrastructure enabler, with a mandate to extend connectivity beyond urban centres and into underserved communities. As South Africa strengthens its position as a regional digital hub, the importance of reliable, scalable, and cost-effective infrastructure becomes even more critical.
Our focus is clear: to expand broadband access, support next-generation technologies such as 5G and satellite solutions, and enable more efficient use of infrastructure to improve reach and reduce cost. These priorities are essential to supporting economic growth, enabling innovation, and strengthening the delivery of public services.
Equally important is the role of data. As demand for digital services grows, so too must investment in secure, resilient, and scalable data infrastructure. Strengthening these capabilities will be key to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence and supporting a more data-driven economy across sectors.
Sentech Africa Tech Week provides a platform not only for dialogue, but for alignment and action. It is through stronger collaboration between government, industry, and partners that we will accelerate implementation and deliver measurable outcomes.
As Sentech, we remain committed to enabling a connected, inclusive, and competitive digital future for South Africa and the continent.
n
Tebogo Leshope Chief Executive Officer Sentech SOC Ltd
SPEAKER LINE-UP
Meet the visionary leaders, innovators, and disruptors shaping the future of technology across Africa and beyond.
HALL NICHOLAS Commercial Manager, Reforged Studios
MBONANI MPHO Head of Strategic Partnerships, The Innovation Hub
BINZA LUNGILE COO, SABC
MPANGALASANE DR BANGANI CEO, The Innovation Hub
Unlocking Tomorrow’s Potential:
The Innovation Hub - Gauteng’s Engine of Progress
The Innovation Hub is Gauteng’s leading innovation agency, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). We’re more than a science and technology park; we’re a thriving ecosystem dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and competitiveness across the Gauteng province.
We transform groundbreaking ideas into market-ready solutions, creating jobs and solving real-world challenges.
Specialized Enterprise Development Programmes:
We empower startups and entrepreneurs through targeted incubation in key sectors:
• Bioeconomy: Advancing Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, Cosmeuceticals and agro-processing for food security and health.
• Smart Industries: Accelerating ICT and Advanced Manufacturing (Industry 4.0) innovations like AI and IoT.
• Green Economy: Supporting sustainable solutions in water, waste, and renewable energy.
Beyond Enterprise Development:
The Innovation Hub offers a comprehensive suite of services:
• Technology Innovation and Cluster Development
• Product Development Lab: From concept to commercialization.
• Demand Led Innovation: Connecting solutions seekers with solutions providers.
• Energy Cluster addresses South Africa’s energy crisis through smart solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency.
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Cluster focuses on integrating IKS-based medicine into the national health system and supporting local communities.
• Bio-Manufacturing Cluster creates an ecosystem for developing and commercializing biologically based products like pharmaceuticals and biofuels.
• Extended Reality (XR) Cluster, integrating VR, AR, and MR with other 4IR technologies to provide industry solutions.
• Skills Development: Equipping future leaders with digital economy skills.
• Conference Venue: Book our conference venue for your inspiring events.
• Networking Hub: A vibrant space for collaboration among academics, researchers, businesses, and investors.
Township Economy Revitalization:
• eKasiLabs: Extending innovation support to townships, nurturing local talent and businesses. Join us in building a prosperous, innovative-driven Gauteng.
Tel: +27 12 844 0000 | Email: info@theinnovationhub.com | Web: www.theinnovationhub.com 1 Mark Shuttleworth Street, Innovation Center, Lynnwood, Tshwane, 0087
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Proudly supported by visionary sponsors and strategic partners driving innovation, collaboration, and growth across Africa’s tech ecosystem.
EMPOWER
Master high-demand skills in AI, Coding, Robotics and Drone Technology.
INCUBATE
Turn your disruptive prototype into a market-ready business through world-class mentorship and strategy.
FUND
Access the 4IRI Tech Fund – securing the capital, grants and resources your venture needs to scale.
Organisations
face increasing
to deliver faster, smarter, and more transparent services while managing complex legacy systems and rising expectations; all while improving
and
of Empowering ICT Founders +
Proven impact. Real outcomes.
“The structured mentorship gave us the roadmap we needed to expand.” Secure your spot for growth
highlights
89% customer repeat rate <4% weighted average cost of risk 38m+ customers ser ved
295m+ loans provided since inception 47% price reduction for customers since 2015 $10b + lifetime disbursements is Af rica’s leading banking enabler.
Technology That Works for Your Business Today and Into the Future
In a world where both technology and market positions are constantly evolving, staying ahead means partnering with someone who understands change. iOCO helps businesses build resilient tech ecosystems that drive innovation and adapt with every shift.
Strategic impact Technology choices aligned with your goals and the market landscape.
A true tech partner
We work alongside you, adapting strategies to ensure continued success.
Technology is more than a tool—it’s your competitive edge. Let’s build a foundation that moves you forward.
Seamless integration Systems that work together to unlock efficiency and foster growth.
B usiness telephony for the smar test companies
Offer the best communication solutions with Freedom:
20 years of cloud telephony experience
Cancel any time
Fast growth
Voys is trusted by 36,500 companies Globally
Customers in 55+ countries
Smarter business communication, made simple
Voys delivers flexible cloud telephony for businesses and individuals through our Freedom platform, helping you stay connected wherever you work.
We support companies, teams, and partners with scalable communication solutions that grow with them, without the complexity of traditional telecoms
Built for flexibility. Designed for growth. Backed by real people.
What do we offer?
SALGA
We capacitate our talent to transform local government in fulfilling its developmental mandate to improve quality of life for all South Africans
B usiness telephony for the smar test companies
Offer the best communication solutions with Freedom:
20 years of cloud telephony experience
Cancel any time
Fast growth
Voys is trusted by 36,500 companies Globally
Customers in 55+ countries
Smarter business communication, made simple
Voys delivers flexible cloud telephony for businesses and individuals through our Freedom platform, helping you stay connected wherever you work.
We support companies, teams, and partners with scalable communication solutions that grow with them, without the complexity of traditional telecoms.
Built for flexibility. Designed for growth. Backed by real people.
What do we offer?
Meet Lexis+ AI
Conversational Searching
Simplifies the complex and time-consuming legal research journey, providing a search experience for diverse legal questions with citations, facilitating lawyers’ ability to complete research effectively and efficiently Interact with Lexis+ AI like you would a trusted colleague who intelligently, and conversationally responds to your requests.
Enhanced Summarisation
Get the legal summary you need in seconds without clicking into a single search result.
Document Drafting
Generate client letters and emails with remarkable speed, ease, and precision.
Built and trained using the largest repository of accurate and exclusive legal content. Leveraging an extensive collection of more than 144 billion documents and records, to provide customers with trusted, comprehensive results with unmatched speed and precision.
WHO IS TOPCO MEDIA?
Topco is a leading research and publishing company in South Africa that specialises in business-to-business content and events.
With over 20 years of experience, we evaluate 10 000 of the top companies annually through eight publications and 13 major events, recognising the most successful based on criteria such as empowerment, policies, growth, turnover and CSI. Our business-to-business focus area is unmatched by any other company in terms of experience and expertise.
Our unique approach ensures only qualified, eligible, and sustainable top performers are given the opportunity to participate in our publications and events. Our integrity is a fundamental part of Topco’s philosophy and is integral to our internal and external relationships and business practices. As the best in the business-to-business industry in South Africa, trust Topco for your business-to-business publishing, content creation, event production, and advertising needs. n
VIEW THE PROGRAMME
